Howatt Hunter vs. Super Diablo

[Echo62]

Looking for input from guys that have shot both. I'm wondering how they compare in shooting characteristics? I'm going to buy one or the other and it is a tough decision. Some experienced insight would be very helpful. I draw 28" so I don't think that would be an issue.  Thanks.

[damascusdave]

Not sure why, at today's prices, you would not have one of each...you should be able to get a Hunter for about 200 dollars even and a Super Diablo for maybe 50 dollars more...if you really decide you prefer one over the other, which I doubt, then just resell the one you do not like...I have a Hunter and will one day own a Super Diablo when the right deal comes along

DDave

[Fanto]

ive shot the Mamba not the Super Diablo, but they are very similar in limb design, just that the SUper D is 2" longer.

the hunter does not stack at all to 29, it actually feels like it eases up a bit at 27 or 28.

the mamba pinches a little a 28. it also stacks beyond 28

all beautiful bows. unlike bear bows, they are hand shaped. they are "factory" bows but the factory is more people than robots

[JamesV]

My wife owns a mint super diablo and I liked it so much I built myself a knock-off. Both shoot great but mine is prettier.

[GoBow]

Had a Hunter, it was a very good bow.  It was my first recurve after my compound relapse... Although I wasn't crazy about the 62" length, can't think of any situation where it caused a problem.  Have had two Super Ds, one 60# and one 55#.  Don't know that they were noticeably any faster than my Hunter was.  But they sure are prettier...  

I'd hold out for a SD if you can find one; but the Hunter is still a fine bow.  Best of luck to you in your search!

[Rob W.]

The Hunter is the smoothest bow I have ever shot. Fast and stable as well.

I think I will be exploring the rest of the Martin line in the future.


Rob

[ChuckC]

I have a Martin / DH Super Diablo, my friend has the Hunter, both 60#.  They both shoot great.  I haven't used mine in years because I went off to liking other bows, especially long bows.  It was fast, it was pretty and it shot really good.  It was a favorite bow for a while.

I think either one will be a fine bow for you.
ChuckC

[Steve Jr]

I had the Hunter also, that was in the early 90s and from what I remember it was a fast , smooth, stable and easy to shoot bow. X2 damascusdave

[damascusdave]

I was just doing some shooting this morning and came to a decision on which bow I am going to hunt this fall...it will be my 1992 Hunter, marked 55 pounds it measures about 63 at my draw length...with that bow I can hunt deer, elk and moose and I shoot it as well as any of the much more expensive bows that I own...I think everyone with a 28 inch draw or longer should own at least one Hunter

DDave

[el greco]

I have owned both in the past,my vote goes towards the hunter.

[jackdaw]

Love em' both......love the look of the Super-D's, but love the 62" length of the Hunters...both were fast and smooth...the 62"er a tad smoother...cant pick wrong..

[KOOK68]

I shoot a Mamba and have no desire to shoot anything else

[Echo62]

I have the opportunity to buy a rosewood Howatt Hunter that has been professionally refinished and looks like new. I think I will go with that for now and maybe pick up a Super Diablo later like ddave suggests. As ddave says I don't think anyone with a 28" or greater draw could not go wrong with a Hunter. I just measured my draw again and it was 28.5. Thanks for all the input. It is always helpful to hear what you guys with more experience than myself have to say.

[iohkus]

Question, .......... why the 28" or longer draw length recommendation? Does shorter draw length performance suffer? I ask because my DL is less than 26", and I've always wanted to get a Super D. This is the first I've heard about the DL caution.
Will

[jhg]

Originally posted by damascusdave:
...I think everyone with a 28 inch draw or longer should own at least one Hunter

DDave

Agreed. Owned two and they both showed only 2.5lbs gain an inch over 28.  They both scaled 3# over stated weight also.

Joshua

[mahantango]

I think he means a longer draw length shooter might be better off with the 62" Hunter. I have a 54" '72 Hi-Speed and a '80-something 62" Hunter. On the lookout for a Super-D. IMO three of the best mass-produced recurves ever. You couldn't possibly go wrong with any of them.

[Echo62]

Bill, I think it is because the Hunter is smoother at longer draw lengths because it is a longer bow.

[VictoryHunter]

Never shot the diablo but I have shot the hunter on several occasions and it is awesome!

[ksbowman]

I have had and shot both. They shoot very similar, but I like the Super D best mainly because of the great looking wood. I traded my Hunter for another bow or I would still have it.

[Whip]

Will, no worries at all with shooting a Hunter with a shorter draw length.  Longer draws on the shorter bows like the HiSpeed might result in some finger pinch and/or a bit of stacking.  But a Hunter for a guy with a shorter draw would be smooth as butter and other than the obvious lower holding weight no lack in performance.